Tucson Jewish Free Loan

About Us

About

The Tucson Jewish Free Loan is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering interest-free financial assistance to the Tucson community since 1947. All faiths are welcome!
We are a Qualifying Charitable Organization in the state of Arizona. We are a member of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans.

Life can be challenging for all of us no matter our background, education or social status. Hard times are often hit with no warning at all. Sometimes people simply need support in achieving a lifelong dream. Our goal is to help people help themselves. Borrowers can feel they have a partner that believes in them and is their champion.

Whether financial assistance is needed to pay medical bills, rent and utilities, school tuition and other life events, The Free Loan can help. We lend a hand to those in need, not a handout. Loan applicants are treated confidentially with loving kindness. Those who meet our established criteria have an opportunity to receive interest-free financial assistance while maintaining their self-respect and dignity.

As borrowers repay their loans, funds are recycled and made available for new loans.




Tucson Interest Free Loans
Tucson Jewish Free Loan

History

History

The Tucson Jewish Free Loan was founded in 1947 as The Hebrew Free Loan Association of Tucson by a small group of forward-thinking leaders in the Tucson Jewish Community.
There was a need in the community to support people that required financial assistance.

Murf Handmaker, Leo Rackoff and Joe Fishman came together to form the organization. They modelled the organization after other successful Hebrew Free Loan Associations that were functioning across the country. The Hebrew Free Loan Associations were based on the directive in the Torah calling for acts of loving kindness or "Chevre Gemilut Chassodim". There are several relevant Torah verses but one in particular Exodus 22:24 suggests that when loaning money to those in need, we should not "exact interest".

Since 1947, The Free Loan has been lending a hand, not a handout, to those in need, helping people remain self-sufficient and maintain dignity by providing interest-free financial assistance.

In May 2023, Tucson Jewish Free Loan joined Social Venture Partners Tucson’s “2-Gen Collaboration.” With SVP’s guidance, this group of 8 other local non-profits works together to provide multi-faceted, low-barrier services to people in our community.




Tucson Jewish Free Loan

Statement of Values

Statement

TZEDEK, TZEDAKAH, TIKKUN OLAM

We honor Jewish Ideals. We are dedicated to the Jewish values that inspired our founding in 1947: A commitment to Tzedek (Justice); to Tzedakah (Righteousness /Charity); and to Tikkun Olam (the goal of Repairing the World).
MISSION Tucson Jewish Free Loan provides interest-free loans to help Southern Arizonans achieve economic self-sufficiency with dignity.


VISION

Tucson Jewish Free Loan seeks to create a more equitable Southern Arizona where everyone has equal access to capital and all residents can participate in the growth and prosperity of their communities.


HUMAN DIGNITY

We respect the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. We seek to provide a helping hand to those in need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender expression, past incarceration, or immigrant status. We strive to treat every individual with compassion and empathy for their unique situation. We advocate policies that ensure fairness and equity for all.


RELATIONSHIPS

We embrace and cultivate relationships – with borrowers, partner organizations, and donors.
Developing relationships is key to how we work with borrowers, who are often referred to us by partner agencies in their communities. We strive to understand each potential borrower’s needs and, if the borrower is eligible, to structure a loan that meets those needs.
When appropriate, our board and staff provide assistance or advice, and we often refer potential borrowers to other resources.
Finally, we value our relationships with donors, both individual and institutional, who financially support our work, provide connections to other resources as well as additional insights into the community, and serve as advocates for our mission.


COMMUNITY

We believe in building an inclusive and accessible community where all residents feel they belong. We are committed to creating an environment of belonging (rather than just welcoming) by prioritizing diversity within organizational policy, programming, recruitment, marketing, board development, and community engagement.


CREATIVITY

We strive to be creative in response to change. We aim to be agile and strategic in the face of evolving circumstances in our community and in the lives of our borrowers.



Discover the Power of a Helping Hand!

Are you ready to take the next step toward financial independence? Explore our interest-free loan options today and see how Tucson Jewish Free Loan can support you in achieving your dreams.

Apply now or learn more about how we can help you!